a simple granitescratches, bites may become complicated, infected, with slightly more serious lesions: impetigo.
As explained by Dr. Raquel Fernández, a pediatrician at Quirónsalud Bizkaia Hospital, impetigo is:
- “skin infectionproduced by bacteria usually associated with previous skin injuries (scratches, stings, pimples, wounds, trauma…)”.
In these cases, “the skin’s natural protective barrier has been disrupted and bacteria can enter through there”, explains the expert.
most common microbes The reason is that this lesion is Streptococcus from Group A and Staphylococcus aureus.
We live with these bacteria all the time, the problem is By losing the protection of their skin, they are able to infect us.
How to recognize impetigo
these types of infections can affect anyonealthough they are Children are the main patientsespecially in summer and start autumn, Because humidity and high temperature are conducive to its appearance.
As the pediatrician explained, Injury from impetigo may appear”anywhere on the skinoften around nose or mouth and in limbs“.
in the early stage of infection children will only have something like granite, wounds or small blisters. But over time, these damages,
- “They become larger and take on the appearance of scabs. or wet wound yellow scab“.
happen to lesion honey color One of its main features.
must also take into account Impetigo is highly contagiousso it is common to see “Spread to all parts of the body in a short time’, they noted from the Vizcaya Pediatric Services.
just enter direct contact with the lesion Contagion may occur.
So, for children Scratch or scab or blisters, you can drag the infection to other body parts.
diagnosis and treatment
Although not serious injuryIt is important to see a specialist as soon as possible if possible to prevent the spread of the infection. diagnosis is very simplea pediatrician will recognize impetigo just by seeing it.
- “Usually no testing or analysis required Because of the very typical appearance of the lesion, Diagnose by just looking. In case of doubt, a sample can be taken and cultured,” explains Dr Fernandez.
and how to treat it? Well, as a bacterial infection, it’s fightable with antibiotics. Depending on the severity and extent of the infection,
- “May be evaluated if administered in cream (topical antibiotics) or good spoken English (syrup, pill, or sachet), or a combination of both options,” says the pediatrician.
How to Prevent Impetigo and How to Treat It at Home
While it’s not a serious thing, prevention is important.and The best way is to practice good hygiene.
wash your hands well It is vital to avoid any infection.With impetigo it is also important that if a child hurts or scratches he should seek help Clean and disinfect these lesions well.
In addition, the specialists of the Pediatric Service of the Quirónsalud Bizkaia Hospital point out other ways to prevent contagion and superinfection:
- strictly follow the treatment If an infection develops, take antibiotics.
- extreme hygiene measures It has been explained.
- Avoid direct contact with the lesion with other parts of the body and with other people.